Does this sound familiar?

You’ve found the right apprentice. They’re keen, motivated, and ready to hit the ground running. But now you’re stuck thinking…

• “Do I have to wait until January or February to officially get them started?”
• Aren’t the TAFE courses closed until then?”
• “Is it even worth putting them on now if the formal training hasn’t begun?”

If that’s your wondering, you’re not alone—but you’re also not getting the full picture.

Most employers don’t realise you can start your apprentice at any time, and in many cases, you should. Holding off until the classroom side of things kicks off is only delaying their development (and their value to your business). The sooner they start working on-site, learning your equipment, your systems and your processes, the more useful they’ll be to you in the long run.

At APT, we work with businesses just like yours to create flexible, real-world training pathways—whether that’s getting them started now with mid-year training intakes, or helping you keep everything on-site with on-the-job apprenticeships.

In this article, we share

• Why you don’t have to wait for classroom training to begin
• How on-the-job apprenticeships work (and who they’re right for)
• What flexible training options are available right now
• How APT can build custom training that suits your site and equipment

How On-the-Job Apprenticeships Work

If the thought of juggling your apprentice’s schedule around TAFE dates and travel headaches already sounds like a nightmare, we get you.  

That’s why on-the-job apprenticeships are designed for real workplaces, real equipment, and real timelines.

Instead of sending your apprentice off to a classroom, they stay on your site and complete their formal learning while working. The theory is delivered online and supported by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like APT, which means:

• No need to leave the site
• Learning happens on your schedule
• They’re applying what they learn straight away

On-the-job apprenticeships work best when:

• Your site has a structured workflow that supports learning
• You’ve got a hands-on team willing to guide and support
• Your apprentice is self-directed or responds well to real-world learning

And most importantly, it means your apprentice is learning on your gear, with your systems, and in your environment. 

At APT, we don’t just hand over some online modules and walk away. We:

• Support your apprentice with online theory
• Visit your site to track progress and fill in any gaps
• Make sure both the practical and theory sides are covered

It’s structured, recognised, and totally workplace-focused. 

We’ve developed site-specific training all around the world for ship loaders, excavators, wind farms, braking systems, conveyor belts, and plenty more. If it’s hydraulic, mechanical or process-based, chances are we’ve trained someone on it.

Start Your Apprentice Now.

If you’ve got the right person, don’t let outdated timelines or rigid systems hold you back.

You don’t need to wait until January.
You don’t need to fit into someone else’s schedule.
And you definitely don’t need to waste time on training that doesn’t suit your business.

Whether it’s starting an apprentice on the tools today, enrolling them in a mid-year intake, or building a customised training plan for your site—APT gives you the flexibility and support to do it your way.

Bottom line?
Get your apprentice in. Get them learning.
And start making them useful to your team from day one.

Ready to get started?
Talk to us about flexible start dates, on-the-job training, or custom programs that fit your site.